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March 20, 1998Contact: Jeff Weathersby, (360) 902-2256

Salmon fishing meetings set for Raymond and Montesano

OLYMPIA -- Public meetings to discuss possible 1998 sport and commercial
salmon fishing opportunities in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor areas have been set
for next week, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

Fisheries in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor this year will be developed as part of
this year's North of Falcon process. Next week's meetings will provide information
about expected run sizes and provide an opportunity to comment upon, or suggest
options for, proposed 1998 fishing seasons.

The first meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Wood Workers
Local Lodge, 201 E. Ellis in Raymond. The second is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 26
at Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main, Montesano.

Bruce Crawford, who heads WDFW's Fish Management Program, said fishers
and other persons wishing to influence the season-setting process also should attend
the final North of Falcon meeting.

That meeting is scheduled for April 1 and 2 at the Seattle Airport Hilton, 17620
Pacific Highway S., Seattle.

Final salmon fishing seasons will be set during the week of April 6 - 10 when the
Pacific Fishery Management Council meets at the Columbia River Doubletree Hotel,
1401 N. Hayden Island Dr., Portland.